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Discovery Cube’s ‘Wild West At The Cube’ Annual Gala Raises Over $1.1 Million For Science Education

Orange County’s Business and Community Leaders Gathered to Celebrate the Cube’s Accomplishments in the Past Year of Operation and Honored Individuals for their Contributions to Discovery Cube

SANTA ANA (October 3, 2016) – More than 350 Orange County philanthropists, business and community leaders gathered on Saturday, September 24 for Discovery Cube’s ‘Wild West at the Cube’ annual gala, which commemorated the Cube’s growth throughout the year and raised $1,151,425 for science education. At the event, Discovery Cube honored the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club and Jay Witzling, former vice president and deputy program manager of Boeing’s Delta Rocket program, with prestigious Cube Awards for their outstanding contributions to the Discovery Science Foundation and Discovery Cube.

The Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club, who received Discovery Cube’s 2016 Arnold O. Beckman Award, are among the biggest supporters for the Cube and played a huge part in the creation of the “Science of Hockey” exhibit. Their shared mission to promote science, address health and wellness and provide educational opportunities to children and families throughout Southern California has been a driving force behind their continued support of the Cube annually and programmatically.

“We are thrilled to be honored by Discovery Cube and help celebrate all of their successes within the last year,” said Tim Ryan, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer for the Anaheim Ducks. “On behalf of the Anaheim Ducks, we are proud to be a part of the impact they have made for children in Orange County through their programs, commitment to science education, and the Science of Hockey exhibit.”

The Cube’s 2016 Spirit of Discovery Award was presented to Jay Witzling, formervice president and deputy program manager of Boeing’s Delta Rocket program, who has served as a tireless advocate for the expansion of Discovery Cube in Orange County. Witzling’s expertise, inside and outside of the Cube, was invaluable to the successful expansion. He is a firm believer in the importance of STEM education and became a volunteer and special advisor for Discovery Cube in 2004. Witzling has been instrumental in helping secure funding for the Cube’s Boeing Rocket Lab and Mission Control exhibits, facilitated the acquisition of a Delta III rocket, as well as a historic Delta RS-68 rocket engine booster from Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, which is now housed inside the iconic Cube.

“This event was a great way to honor all the accomplishments of Discovery Cube over the past year and our supporters whose endless efforts made it all possible,” said Joe Adams, CEO of the Discovery Science Foundation and President of Discovery Cube in Orange County, “This year has been nothing short of amazing and we know that Discovery Cube will continue to inspire young minds through engaging and hands-on science education.”

The celebratory event, held on-site at Discovery Cube, kicked off with a cocktail reception featuring tray passed hors d’oeuvres, opportunity drawings, a trick roper greeting guests, as well as poker and a saloon girl dance trio in keeping with the Wild West theme. The dinner began with the live auction and fund-a-need, followed by the award presentations.

The night concluded with live entertainment from the Kelly Rea Band and dancing.

About Discovery Science Foundation: The Discovery Science Foundation serves as the educational program-development and fundraising arm for hands-on science learning centers in Orange County, Los Angeles and Newport Beach, California. Established in 1989, the Discovery Cube, presented by Taco Bell, continues to inspire and educate millions of young minds through engaging science-based programs and exhibits. In 2012, the Cube was named one of the 10 “Most Trusted Brands” in Orange County and in 2013 was awarded the National Medal of service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services at The White House. In November 2014, a second nonprofit Discovery Cube offering an exhibit and program mix unique to Los Angeles, opened in the Hansen Dam Recreational Area of the San Fernando Valley. Most recently, Discovery Cube’s Ocean Quest opened in Newport Beach as a base of operations for ocean-science education and programs. For more information, call (866) 552-CUBE (2823) or visit discoverycube.org. Follow the Los Angeles and Orange County campus on social platforms (@DiscoveryCubeLA, @DiscoveryCubeOC).